By Aladin Borioli, with text by Sebastiaan (“Bas”) Blaasse

Bannkörbe (lit. “charm baskets”) were a unique form of beekeeping technology that was popular in northern Germany, especially Lower Saxony, between the seventeenth and early twentieth century. Not only did the Bannkörbe function as nesting baskets but the bizarre masks that typically adorn them served to ward off evil spirits. Their appearance at dusk was also intended to scare away honey thieves and bears. Using text and images, Aladin Borioli has done extensive field research on the Bannkörbe that still exist today. With deep roots in magical beliefs, this tradition represents an unusual alternative to the “modern” beehive and the economic optimization of beekeeping and honey harvesting. The publication, which includes texts by Bas Blaasse, appears in conjunction with the C/O Berlin Talent Award 2023 and accompanies the exhibition Aladin Borioli. Bannkörbe at C/O Berlin. The C/O Berlin Talent Award is made possible by the Alexander Tutsek-Stiftung.